VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
269hp @ 5500
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Pilot returns 23 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,495 for the Pilot and $49,620 for the Atlas. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda PilotEX-L 2WD 2026 - From $44,495
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SEL 4MOTION 2026 - From $49,620
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/121ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
200.7in
Width (in)
78.5in
78.3in
Height (in)
70.9in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4334lbs
4636lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda Pilot
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Pilot
Value
Pilot
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($44,495)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Atlas
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Atlas?
The Pilot gets 23 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Pilot is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pilot or Atlas?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Atlas?
The Pilot starts from $44,495 and the Atlas from $49,620. The Pilot is cheaper by $5,125 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Atlas?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Atlas can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the Atlas?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.